Hulkamania Runs Wild in TNA

It’s safe to say that my eyes got huge when I read the news that stated Hulk Hogan was joining TNA.  Love him or hate him, Hogan is undeniably the biggest name in all of professional wrestling and he is about to cross the line with TNA.

As all things with Hogan, there has to be underlying motives for him joining TNA.  The timing of his signing couldn’t be better for Hogan as he is promoting a new book called “My Life Outside the Ring” that centers around his life.  Hogan also went through a highly publicized divorce, which cost him a ton of money, and his Australian Hulkamania tour is just around the corner.

What better way is there to promote your products and make money at the same time than there is on a weekly television show?  Yes, Hogan signed on at the best possible time, however, the timing for TNA as a whole couldn’t have been worse.

A rejuvenating youth movement has been taking place in TNA as of late, which may or may not be stalled with the arrival of Hulk Hogan.  Of course, it remains to be seen as to how Hogan will be used in TNA, but one has to think that he is there to lace up the boots and compete, even with his limits, in the six sided ring.

Will this all lead to Hogan making a run as the TNA Championship?  My guess is that it probably won’t be that far behind.  I’m not endorsing that as the best option, I’m just saying that there is a great possibility of that happening.

I would rather see Hogan used as way to open up the product to new fans and help TNA move on to bigger and better things.  In the ring, Hogan is very limited due to his age and various injuries but his name alone is worth its weight in gold.  TNA should use that to their advantage and book his matches on a very limited basis.

Limiting his matches to bigger pay-per-events with an occasional match on Impact would go a long way and give more meaning and added value to his matches.  It could also help put some of the younger stars over and help solidify their status in the company.  That would mean, though, that Hogan would be open and willing to put them over and not let his ego and creative control to get in the way.

For better or for worse, there is no doubt that Hogan’s name recognition will benefit TNA.  If TNA plays their cards right, Hogan could open new doors as his name gives them instant credibility and adds a whole new level of star power to their roster.  On the other hand, if TNA gives the aging Hall of Famer the keys to the palace, a fan backlash is almost guaranteed, one that they may find it tough to recover from.